ostracon

or os·tra·kon

[ os-truh-kon ]

noun

, plural os·tra·ca [os, -tr, uh, -k, uh].

1. (in ancient Greece) a potsherd, especially one used as a ballot on which the name of a person voted to be ostracized was inscribed.

ostracon

/ ˈɒstrəˌkɒn /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) a potsherd used for ostracizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracon¹

1880–85; < Greek óstrakon; ostracize

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracon¹

from Greek

Example Sentences

More than 17 words, composed of 50 characters, are on the back side of the ostracon.

From New York Times

The ostracon was found in a location that used to be a military outpost known as the fortress of Arad, which belonged to the Kingdom of Judah when Hananyahu and Elyashiv were exchanging messages.

From New York Times

For years, biblical scholars and researchers have studied the front side of the ink-inscribed pottery shard, known as an ostracon, which was commonly used to write receipts, lists or even letters.

From New York Times

That’s because for nearly 50 years archaeologists thought the back of the ostracon was blank, when really the ink was invisible.

From New York Times

“To Eliashib, and now: Issue from the wine 3 baths,” another ostracon ordered, adding, “And Hananyahu has commanded you to Beersheba with 2 donkeys’ load and you shall wrap up the dough with them.”

From New York Times